Noise and flames: Natural gas work brings excitement to Neuenhaus!

Noise and flames: Natural gas work brings excitement to Neuenhaus!

In the coming weeks there will be noise and torchlight in the region around Neuenhaus. The reason for this is the extensive work on a natural gas pipeline being carried out by Thyssengas. The conversion of the line to hydrogen is part of a larger project to develop a cross-border hydrogen line between Germany and the Netherlands. ems-vechte-surfer.de has published this information.

Thyssengas has already informed residents in Hoogstede-Kalle that loud noises and visible flames can also be expected in Neuenhaus in the week from November 3rd to 9th. The work particularly concerns the natural gas pipeline between Hoogstede-Kalle and Neuenhaus. The main goal of this conversion is to establish an efficient hydrogen pipeline that is scheduled to be operational by 2027.

A decisive step for hydrogen

The natural gas pipeline between Vlieghuis in the Netherlands and Ochtrup, which stretches about 53 kilometers, will also be converted to transport hydrogen. According to eot-news.de this is an important step for the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the region. For this purpose, Thyssengas has acquired an approximately 12 kilometer long natural gas pipeline from RWE Generation SE, which runs between Vlieghuis and Kalle.

With the GET H2 initiative, Thyssengas plans to create a connection to the Vlieghuis import point. From 2027, hydrogen will be transported from the Dutch border to Duisburg-Hamborn. This connection opens up opportunities to import ports in Amsterdam, Eemshaven, Rotterdam and Zeeland as well as storage and hydrogen production facilities. The opportunities are there, but the expansion application for EU funding (IPCEI projects) is still pending, which is crucial for the project's schedule.

Regional cooperation and planning

The planning and implementation of this work is carried out in close coordination with the representatives of the city of Neuenhaus. The local authorities and residents were also informed about the project in advance. “We are pleased that with this conversion we can not only improve our infrastructure, but also contribute to the sustainability of our region,” says Dr. Thomas Gößmann, Managing Director of Thyssengas.

Preparations for converting the Vlieghuis-Kalle line to 100% hydrogen have been underway since mid-2023. Further projects such as the hydrogen pipeline from Dorsten to Duisburg-Hamborn are also being planned, with completion scheduled for 2026. The entire process is part of a comprehensive project that involves around 50 companies, institutions and municipalities in Germany and aims to build a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure.

The coming weeks promise exciting developments for the region and the hydrogen sector – things are making good progress!